The Ins and Outs

Some manufacturers can be sneaky when they tell you how many inputs their mixers have, counting features like CD/Tape In as an input. But the XL3200 really gives you 24 mono channels and 4 stereo channels (with two 1/4 inch inputs apiece, an additional 8 line-level inputs which can also be used for 4 additional mono mic channels), making it easy to accommodate a wide variety of live performance configurations.

Connect up to 24 microphones (or other mono instruments) and up to 4 stereo instruments (keyboards, for example). You also get four buses, allowing you to assign multiple channels, say all the mics on a drum kit or all the backup singers' mics, to a single fader.

Best of all, you don't need a black belt in engineering to operate the XL3200. To get started, assign all mics and instruments to their channels by connecting them to the corresponding jacks on the back panel. Now, get ready to quickly become acquainted with the incredibly user-friendly design.

Plenty of Channels, All in Living Color

All dials on the XL3200 are assigned to colors that not only allow you to easily locate each function, but to also quickly identify corresponding faders.

At the top of each mono channel strip, you'll find a Trim dial (White) for adjusting input gain and an 80 Hz switch that can eliminate unwanted infrasonics such as mic-handling noise.

Each mono channel has a 4-band EQ (High, High Mid, Low Mid, Low). High Mid and Low Mid dials (Blue) are each paired with a FREQ control (Lighter Blue) that allows you to select the frequency boosted or cut. Directly below the EQ, there's an EQ switch allowing you to switch between processed and unprocessed signals.

British EQ

British EQ is a smashing thing to have on your side when you start reaching for those channel equalization knobs at a live concert or in the studio.

The EQ's on British consoles from the 60s and 70s are what many engineers believe does their sound the best justice. When it comes to tweaking your sound, they're kind, gentle and above all, musical. It's like drinking a fine scotch instead of fortified wine, or maybe receiving a warm hug instead of a kick to the crotch.

British EQ's distinct configuration of wider curves/lower Q and harmonic phase characteristics allows you to add or subtract EQ more generously than you can with conventional EQ circuit designs. When you add low midrange, you get a firmer sound instead of a nasty bonk. When you back high frequencies off a bit, treble backs off just a hair instead of turning muffled.

Back to the Strip

Controls for the channel's FX (Orange), Mon (Blue) and Aux (Red) sends are directly below the EQ section. Use these to assign a channel to an outboard FX processor or monitor and auxiliary channels. Further down the channel strip, the Pan control (Black) determines the signal's position in the stereo mix. The channel fader (Black) adjusts the level of the channel signal as part of the main mix. Press the 1-2 or 3-4 switches to assign the channel to a bus.

Stereo channels are configured in the same way, but with a fixed-frequency 4-band EQ (Blue). They are equipped with 1/4 inch stereo inputs, as well as XLR mono inputs, providing 4 additional Mic channels.

Rockin' Bureaucracy

Once all mics and instruments are connected, it's time to take a look at the Main, subgroup, Monitor and FX sections. All four subgroups' controls are positioned in the lower right corner of the mixer. They feature individual faders with Clip LEDs, Solo switches and Pan controls to adjust the signal's position in the stereo image.

The FX section is positioned on the middle right section of the console. Both FX 1 and FX 2 signals have orange faders; Solo and Mute switches; 1-2 and 3-4 switches that assign the signal to subgroups; Main switches to route the signals to the main outputs; Mon dials (Blue) that determine the level of FX heard in Monitor sends 1 & 2; and Send dials (Orange) for adjusting the volume of all FX send signals. Both monitor sends also have their own dedicated faders (Blue), as well as Mute and Solo switches.

The Main A section lies in the bottom right section of the board. It gives you a channel fader (Light Grey); a 13-LED master level meter in the top right corner gives you a dynamic visual gauge of overall output; a Mute switch (Red) mutes all input channels except CD/Tape inputs; and a BAL control (Black) adjusts the mix of the left and right output signal before they are routed through the Main A output. Above, you'll find the Main B section, which governs the signal sent through the Main B outputs on the back panel. Use the Main B section and outputs to connect to a separate power amplifier and multiple loudspeakers, or to a stereo recording system.

The XL3200 features a Talkback section in the upper right corner with its own XLR input, Level control (Red), and switches that allow you to send its signal to either the Mon, Aux, Group or Main outputs. Finally, a pair of headphone inputs at the top of the board allows you to personally monitor your mix, and a pair of BNC lamp inputs ensures you'll never have to mix in the dark.

The Back Story

The back panel of the XL3200 mixer features an intuitive patch bay that gives you tons of flexibility in configuring a live show. In the upper left corner you'll find the Main Outputs section. There's left and right XLR outputs for connecting to PA speakers, as well as dual 1/4 inch inserts for connecting a dynamics processor or equalizer to further tweak the main signal. There's also dual Out B jacks governed by the Main B dial on front. Next door to the Main Outputs section is the FX/Mon/Aux Sends section. The FX 1 and FX 2 1/4 inch outputs send signal to outboard effects processors. Mon 1 and Mon 2 XLR outputs send signal to monitors, and Aux 1 and Aux 2 XLR outputs can be used for either effects processors or monitors.

The next section to the right contains the Aux Returns. Stereo Aux inputs 1 & 2 allow you to connect more effects processors or submixers, while stereo FX 1 & 2 returns accept processed signals sent from the FX 1 and FX 2 outputs.

Left and right Speaker 1/4 inch outputs allow you to connect monitor speakers that provide the same signal as the headphone outputs.

Each subgroup has its own Insert and OUT 1/4 inch jacks. The inserts allow you to connect noise gates, compressors or equalizers, while the Out jacks send the subgroup signal to, for example, a multi-track recorder.

Along the bottom of the back panel, you'll find the mono and stereo channel inserts. Mono channels feature both a 1/4 inch and XLR input, as well as an Insert jack for applying outboard equipment and a Direct Out jack for sending signal to a device such as a multi-track recorder. Stereo channels feature a single XLR input and dual 1/4 inch inputs.

Sound:
I use this for a variety of more budget-strapped live shows, where customers who rent my equipment can't afford to spec stuff like Allen and Heath and it's counterparts. Having said that, I find it as quiet and transparent for even a mixer almost double the price - Very well done. Seems to lack a bit of head room, but okay for most purposes. Yamaha MG series beat it in this respective, but holds it's own quite well as Yamaha's here sell for about 1.5 times the price for less features. Bottom line: You get what you pay for.
EQ is a great improvement over the SL series. Still as effective, but more 'gentle' and 'warm' - simply put, more musical. I wouldn't compare it with actual top-notch British sound consoles, but it's not bad. I actually prefer it's sound over the Yamaha MG which i use also. That's a major statement.
Feature:
Comes with only the power cord, but it's PACKED. 6 aux, 4 band sweepable mids EQ, 4 subgroups, 2 stereo mains, individual switchable phantoms, direct out, insert, etc, etc, etc...
Behringer went all out in this respect. And this is what caused me to buy it anyway. Features are very usable, too... Only wished all 6 auxes have TRS jacks instead of XLR outs to match the other consoles. Dual lamps, dual headphone outs, rubberized area (for labeling) under faders a very thoughtful feature.
Ease of Use:
Somethings can get in the way of each other - the aux masters and returns can be confusing, and the phantom switch is at the back - but it shows how they squeezed the space for maximum features in the smallest footprint possible. Understandable. A little hard to use, but not uncomprehend-able, except for the XLR aux outs.
Quality:
Unfortunately,this is where i would be criticizing quite badly - channel 31 doesn't work from show 2 onwards, and the right master A failed after show 10. Not good. It's rectified after sending to the distributor for a warranted service, but that meant going through the sucky Behringer Malaysia distributor and a whole month of headaches. Hopes it holds at least as well to the SL3242FX-PRO i still use occasionally (which is having some wear and tear-related problems after a long 6 years of almost non-stop rather trouble free abuse)
Value:
You cannot find anything better for the price. A straight forward mixer for straight forward money. 100mm faders will make it a 10. But you can't really want more for the money, yet Behringer might still do more. Rejoice, people!
Manufacturer Support:
Local distributor sucks. And i've said this a million times. Behringer makes good products, but some of the people that distributes the goods for them are very poorly chosen. Sad.
The Wow Factor:
It's a mixer. So?
Overall:
It's a value product and is a worthwhile for someone who needs a mega channel console for little money. It works, but i would love to wish that i am one of the rare recipient of bad support and badly QC-ed stuff. Somehow the web reviews i've already read of their other gear, and my personal experience with other gear makes me view it as 'doubtful'. And for that, i reserve my recommendations.

Style of Music: Almost every damn thing, i've been through, but mostly deals with Christian stuff.

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"I own 3 of them
"

Sound:
Sound was not a problem I've bought 3 of these consoles for budget rentals and all 3 have the same issues as stated in the other reviews Channel dropouts for no reason
Feature:
Lots of good features
Ease of Use:
simple layout easy to use
Quality:
two 3200 one 2400 The first xl3200 lasted for about 20 shows before having problems (dropout of channels)The second xl3200 to replace the first came out of the box not working properly(2 shows) So zzounds (good people) sent me a third xl3200 to replace # TWO Also ordered an xl2400 which lasted 2 shows before losing the right side and channels dropping out Sent this to Behringer service center 6 weeks later I got it back still had problems with dropouts So I can't recommend this to anyone I'm looking to unload them asap and move on Save your money and but a better board
Value:
Not wanting to be a Behringer Basher because I still use a lot of different Behringer gear This product is a wonderful looking product at a great price but is not even close to being a useful tool because every time you take it out of the road cast something new is wrong
It''s just not dependable
Manufacturer Support:
Good people to talk to but not able to help much because of Behringers restructuring Parts are almost impossible to get for any of their products even at a repair facility
The Wow Factor:
Looks great preforms poorly
Overall:
keep looking for a better board
I was really thinking about the X32 digital Board but this experience has given me cold feet until the reviews are in (unless Zounds or Behringer wants to do a trade in trade up deal with me)

Our extended 45-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on
this productBuy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "Everything was easy to find and check out was fast and simple. I will tell all my friends and family about zZounds. It was a pleasant experience and I look forward to my next purchase with zZounds." - Customer on January 11, 2015

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

close [x]On OrderThis item has been ordered from the manufacturer. We do not have an expected date for this shipment yet, but will post one as soon as it is available.

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

1. zZounds offers the industry‘s most musician-friendly payment plans

zZounds offers a variety of Play as You Pay installment plans that allow you to get the gear you want today. While our competitors might offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check, our payment plans are easy to get, simple to use, and, best of all, accrue zero interest. Unlike those house credit cards that can leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the promotional period ends, we never have and never will charge interest when you take advantage of one of the zZounds Play as You Pay plans.

2. zZounds guarantees the lowest price

Seen it for less somewhere else? Get it for less at zZounds. Simply click the “Seen it for less?” link on any product page and as long as we‘re not losing money, we‘ll beat any legitimate competitor‘s lowest price, usually within two hours. Want our best price even faster? Call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll provide you with a lower price on the phone. Also, if you purchase from us and later find the product for less elsewhere, call or email us within 45 days, and we‘ll refund you the difference.

3. zZounds gets you your gear fast

At zZounds, you‘ll get your gear fast and, usually, with free delivery. Because we have warehouses in New Jersey, Nevada and Mississippi, nearly 95 percent of Americans reside within our two-day shipping zones. Combine this with the fact that many of our best-selling products qualify for free two-day delivery and you get expedited shipping without the additional cost.

4. zZounds makes returns super easy

Buy it, try it, like it, or return it to us for a full refund. It‘s just that simple. If you‘re not in love with what you bought, return it to zZounds within 45 days, and we‘ll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund. No hassles. No hidden charges. And if a product‘s defective or damaged, call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll email you a prepaid shipping label so you can easily return it to us at zero cost to you.

5. zZounds delivers top-rated customer service

zZounds has received multiple Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Platinum awards, placing us in the top 0.7 percent of Bizrate‘s network of 5,200 retailers. Our success in meeting the needs of our customers -- since 1996, we‘ve satisfied over 1,000,000 people -- is due in large part to the fact that zZounds only hires experienced musicians to answer your calls and emails, and they are never paid a commission.